REV. SAMUEL ROBINSON was born in the North of Ireland. He experienced religion early in life, and when still a youth commenced preaching in his own country as a Presbyterian. He came to this country and settled in Charlotte County. The Rev. Thos. Ansley visited that district in 1830, and was instrumental in directing Mr. Robinson to an investigation of Believers’ Baptism as taught in the New Testament. The examination resulted in impressing his mind with the idea that there is no valid authority in the Scriptures for Infant Baptism, and that Christian Baptism is Immersion in the name of the sacred Trinity, upon a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Mr. Ansley’s visit to St. George took place under peculiarly impressive circumstances. In the early part of his ministry he has visited Charlotte County, and had been the means of producing a very powerful revival of religion. Long years had passed, and a great declension in spiritual things prevailed; but there were a few who cherished the remembrance of this revival visit of Mr. Ansley, and were anxious to hear his voice once more. He was invited to visit St. George, and received the message as sent from God. He came, lifted up his voice, trumpet-tones, and a wide-spread revival followed. The man of God felt he had a message for Mr. Robinson, so sought him out and delivered it. The saintly appearance of the Evangelist, the solemnity of his address, and the fervency of his prayers made a deep impression upon the mind of this young Presbyterian brother. It was arranged for Mr. Robinson to attend one of the Evangelist’s services. As the service proceeded, the preaching, so simple, so unctious, inspired Mr. Robinson with strange and powerful emotions. He felt his heart drawn to the venerable preacher with a strong religious affection, and ere he was aware, the mantle of the old Elijah had fallen upon the young Elijah. Still he had no idea of becoming a Baptist. After Mr. Ansley had returned to his home in Bridgetown, Mr. Robinson was led to prayerfully study the New Testament as he has never done before, in reference to his duty regarding this matter, and was constrained contrary to his training to confess that the study of the New Testament had made him a Baptist. In due time he wrote to Mr. Ansley to come over and baptize him. The Baptism was appointed to take place at St. David’s—a most central position. The Baptismal day arrived and crowds flocked from all sections of the country to witness the ordinance. The venerable administrator came to the discharge of his duty invested with the majesty of the Spirit’s power, and all felt: “Surely God is in this place.” Having accomplished his work, Mr. Ansley’s course on earth was done, and he died without reaching his home. Mr. Robinson continued his labors in Charlotte County for some seven or eight years. The speed sprang up in all directions, and an abundant harvest was gathered in.
Mr. Robinson came to St. John for the first time in 1838. The Church had for some time been in a cold divided state, but a change for the better was soon apparent, and the ministry of Mr. Robinson was so acceptable that it was soon necessary to enlarge the Church by an addition of seventeen feet. This met the demand for sittings, and gave an opportunity to provide a Baptistry.
Second Baptist Church.
Soon after Mr. Robinson came, the restoration of several members, who had been separated from the fellowship of the Church by reason of differences which had arisen, took place, with the understanding that a second church should be formed. These members therefore received their dismission, and by the advice of a council duly called were formed into what was known as the Second Baptist Church. They built a church in 1840—the building now in the possession of the St. John’s Presbyterian Church on King street East. They called different pastors, and for a time enjoyed prosperity, but owing to a combination of adverse circumstances the movement did not succeed. It may have been that the time was not ripe for a second church, and consequently it ceased to exist.
Shortly after his coming the Church requested Mr. Robinson to remove to the city permanently and devote all his time to the work here. He accepted the call provisionally, and spent a large portion of his time during 1838 and 1839 in this city, laboring with untiring energy and enlarged success. This he continued to do, until by the earnest solicitations of the people, combined with the blessing of God upon his ministry, he was convinced that it was his duty to accept the permanent pastorate of this Church. He removed his family to St. John, and a parsonage was built on Germain street adjoining the Church. A small building had previously stood upon this lot which had been used as a vestry. In 1841 the rock was removed from under the Church, and the vestry for the use of the Sunday School and prayer meeting was completed.
Music.
For a number of years there were no chants, responses, organ, or paid singers, but the congregation joined heartily in the singing. Up to Mr. Robinson’s time there was no music during the taking of the collection, and the noise of the pennies and coppers dropping on the pewter plates was not at all pleasing. The choir prevailed on Mr. Robinson, who was fond of music, to obtain the consent of the deacons for them to give what was then known as a “Copper Tune.” After much persuasion the deacons consented, and the next Sunday the choir sang the anthem “Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised.” The deacons were much alarmed at such “dance music” being given in the house of God on the Sabbath day. At the close of the service they met, and determined that such music must be stopped. Mr. Robinson was instructed to go to the choir at once and stop such unseemly proceedings. That pastor eventually prevailed on the deacons to allow the choir to sing during the collection, on condition that they sing only quiet tunes. This they did for a while, till the prejudice was broken down, when they sang such pieces as they thought best, and the deacons did not again interfere.
In January, 1840, a series of special services were commenced by the pastor and Rev. Charles Tupper, the latter continuing to labor with the pastor during the winter.
In 1841 a revival commenced in the Sunday School. A number of the scholars confessed conversion and were baptized. The work extended to the congregation and a number of young men and women professed a new-born faith.
On the 16th day of May, 1841, the Carleton Branch was formed into a separate church; and in 1842 a church was formed at Musquash, consisting of about twenty members.